Data & Modelling Analyst Apprentice Review

by M&G

Rating

8.8/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I use economic scenario generators to simulate 'what if' situations in markets and how this could potentially affect investment decisions. We calibrate our models to ensure they are up to date and are able to closely match the market.

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I've definitely learned new skills, in particular in excel and in my knowledge about financial markets. My economic awareness has also improved. However, I'm not sure to what extent my knowledge is quite niche as my role itself is quite a niche, therefore I think it's debatable how transferable the specific skills i've developed are in other areas of the industry

8/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy most of the work-related things, and I do enjoy a lot of the qualification related content, but there are a few things the training providers has us do that I really don't enjoy, like keeping track of every single bit of training I receive and 'missions'.

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Very well organised, the timeline for major events like exams etc. is very clear and I think we all know what to expect as apprentices during our contract.

10/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

A lot of help, HR is always keen to help with anything. There's a lot of support throughout the business, all my colleagues are happy to help and put in some time to discuss things.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

A lot of support, to make sure we stay on track with our training and that we aren't slacking behind. There's also a lot of exam material to help us with our exams, including recorded and live interactive webinars.

10/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

A lot of the financial industry knowledge is transferable, but there are a lot of technical things that are missing, for example no Excel within our exams, barely any mathematics, but this could just be due to the niche nature of my role rather than a flaw in the qualification itself

8/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

A lot of networking events and social drinks. Not so much within my team, but with other apprentices in my cohort. I believe there were a lot more activities before COVID but since the start of the pandemic they have slowed down a bit

8/10

9a. Would you recommend M&G to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

It depends on the friend, but I probably would. The culture at M&G is quite welcoming and empathetic, I've never really felt any cold tension with any of my colleagues. There is also a big emphasis on work/life balance.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to M&G?

Please do research on financial markets before your interview. I was surprised by how much it put me ahead of stead just knowing a few simple things. Learning about the stock market would help you in this respect.